The Georgia Summer Adventure List:
Helen
The charming Bavarian mountain town of Helen is an absolute must see. If you only leave the house one time, it should be to get thee to Helen, GA. Check out the town website so you can see it for yourself. Words only go so far.
Cool River Adventures
This outdoor park features a zipline course, an outdoor adventure course, and a rock climbing wall.
Cool River Tubing
Ride a tube down the Chattahoochee River in a tube, choose with or without a bottom! See Helen and the Appalachian wilderness from the water on a summer day. Cool River is the only tubing company in the area offering shorter rides - choose 1 - 1.5 hours or 2 - 2.5 hour rides.
Georgia Mountain Coaster
This German-made Alpine coaster is self controlled and great for grownups and families. Kids 3 and up can ride with an adult, and since each rider controls their coast, it can be as thrilling or calm as you like.
Ziplining Adventures
Zipline at American Adventure Park at Unicoi State Park, or Nacoochee State Park.
Wineries
There are lots of wineries and breweries about town for those who enjoy fine adult beverages.
Historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The train departs form the depot in downtown Blue Ridge and offers views and history on a 13 mile ride that follows a 125 year old rail route.
Alpine Fun Factory
Indoor go karts, laser tag, arcade, and bounce zone! Don't let a rainy day keep you from having fun!
Babyland General Hospital
See where Cabbage Patch Dolls are "born." This museum and store is a fun stop for nostalgic grownups and their kids.
Helen Waterpark
Make a splash with two fully enclosed tube slides, two open slides and a lazy river. They also offer food and refreshments, river tubing and rock climbing.
Water Fun on Lake Blue Ridge
Rent a boat or jet ski from one of many waterside companies like Blue Ridge Boat Rentals. Or for a calmer day, try a kayak or paddle board.
Swan Drive-In Blue Ridge
Take in a movie vintage-style! The Swan has been operating since 1955 and is open year round showing first run movies.
Tubing, Kayaking & Rafting the Toccoa River
Float, kayak and tubing trips on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge and McCaysville are great for families with young kids. There are even rafting and kayak float trips on the Toccoa for kids over five.
Hiking
America's most famous hiking trail, The Appalachian Trail, starts right here in town, just a short 15 minute drive from the house, so you know you're in hiking country! I'm sure you don't plan to head out on a 5-7 month hike while on vacation, but there are plenty of trails in a more approachable length. Visit any one of several shorter trails, and make sure to stop into Mountain Crossings hiking store.
The Best Hikes
Three Forks to Long Creek Falls, this beautiful trail leads to one of the prettiest and most popular waterfalls in the area.
Swinging Bridge Trail that leads to the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi.
Aska Adventure Area.
This is a popular area with hikers and features a 17 mile loop of scenic trails.
Horseback Riding
There are several stables in the area offering mounted tours.
Historic Blue Ridge Walking Tour
Take a tour of downtown Blue Ridge on Foot
Waterfalls
There are oodles of waterfalls nearby! Anna Ruby Falls, Raven Cliff Falls, Duke's Creek Falls, and DeSoto Falls to name a few star standouts. Raven Cliff is a steep hike and not suitable for young kids. Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall in Georgia and a visitor favorite!
Gem Mining at Outpost Gold and Gem
Pan for gold and gemstones that you can take home with you.
Expedition Bigfoot Sasquatch Museum
Actual footprint casts, sighting report center, theater and life-size exhibits
Eating
Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours
This who believe that the food is part of the vacation experience like me will appreciate the Foodie Tour, which is a walking tour that stops at several restaurants in Blue Ridge.
And if you like Mexican Food, I still think of the outstanding meals I got from Las Dos Huastecas in Blue Ridge. It’s a little hole in the wall where all the Mexican locals go.
And Rum Cake Lady has incredible Cuban food.
Chester Brunnmeyer’s Blue Ridge and Southern Charm have delightful mountain comfort food. They’re local favorites! Get there early!